TR Leger School receives Literacy Award from Canada’s Premiers

The Upper Canada District School Board is proud to share that Canada’s Premiers have honoured TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education with a Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

This award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. The awards are presented annually, in each province and territory, to recognize the excellence of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in many areas including family, Indigenous, health, workplace and community literacy.

“I’m really proud of the staff at all of our campuses. They do outstanding work with our students, not just teaching but forming relationships with them to understand their needs,” said TR Leger Principal Sandy McInnes. “Our champions are our program instructors. They create a culture of comfort and care for our students. They really get to know the learners coming in and align opportunities and resources with the interests of the students.”

UCDSB Board Chair Jeff McMillan added, “I am very proud of the work our staff does for students attending the TR Leger program. Through their dedication and commitment, so many of our students are given the opportunity to believe in themselves as learners.”

TR Leger has delivered the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program, also known as the Skills, Training and Employment Preparation program (STEP), for more than 20 years. The program helps individuals build foundational literacy and digital skills that prepare them for employment, independent living, pursuing an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, or attending college or university.

“Daphne Lane, our recently retired manager of literacy and language services, has really been a driving force in the development and implementation of digital literacy resources and training for our LBS program,” Principal McInnes said. “Last year, 64% of our students went on to employment or further education and training”. TR Leger School serves approximately 450 adult literacy students annually, including a class in the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional Facility.

“As part of the school improvement process, TR Leger Principal McInnes and his administration team have led learning teams that have focused specifically on improving literacy skills for our adult learners,” said Superintendent Tim Mills. “This award is a testament to their dedication and hard work on behalf of our staff, students and the communities that TR Leger serves.”

TR Leger School has campuses in Alexandria, Almonte, Brockville, Carleton Place, Casselman, Cornwall, Dundas, Gananoque, Hawkesbury, Kemptville, Morrisburg, Perth, Prescott, Rockland, and Smiths Falls, with an instructor at each campus and two managers who oversee the program.